Joe Caprioglio

Grade

Draft Analysis:

6'5" Height

317LBS. Weight

Overview

Caprioglio (pronounced KAP-ree-OH-lee-oh) looked like a legitimate NFL prospect as the Rams weak-side tackle for the first two games of the 2011 season, but suffered a season-ending torn left ACL in the first quarter of the teams 28-14 loss to rival Colorado at the home of the Denver Broncos, Mile High Stadium. Caprioglio worked hard to make it back on the field for the teams 2012 opener in Denver, this time making it through the game and helping CSU beat the Buffaloes 22-17.

Considered one of the top 50 offensive tackle prospects in the country as a star at southern Denver suburb Highlands Ranch, Caprioglio passed up chances to play throughout the Big 12 and Big Ten to go to Fort Collins. He redshirted his first year, and then got into just one game the following year (in the fourth quarter against TCU). But as a sophomore he played in every game, starting the final nine at strong-side guard and often moving between guard and tackle in the same contest.

Analysis

Strengths

Possesses NFL size and strength. Flashes footwork to take away the corner while staying balanced to cut off the inside lane. Can move while engaged to get outside or inside blocking angle. Bounces off one block to pick up late blitzers with surprising quickness. Can widen his base and anchor against bull rushes with some nice lower-body strength. Gives excellent effort to recover if beaten off the snap, uses his length and strength to hold up ends or push them around the pocket so his quarterback can step up.

Weaknesses

Does not possess elite agility, might work best at right tackle or inside at the next level as recovering will be more difficult against pro defensive ends. Plays with a high pad level at times, will miss his punch and get his hands too often against better ends, losing his balance in the process. Must show he can come off the ball low and hard in short-yardage situations.

NFL Comparison

Jordan Black

Bottom Line

This Ram looked on his way to big things in 2011 before his season was ended prematurely by a torn left ACL against rival Colorado. He has experience at guard and tackle, and also has played on either side of the line because the team has flipped the line in the past based on formation. Adding that sort of versatility to his NFL size, strength, and recovery ability makes him an intriguing late-round pick.

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Grade

Title

Draft (Round)

Description

96-100

Future Hall of Famer

Top Pick

A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played

85-95

Immediate Starter

1st

An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).

70-84

Eventual Starter

2nd-3rd

A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.

50-69

Draftable Player

4th-7th

A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.

20-49

Free Agent

UDFA

A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.